Contributing to the many international accolades achieved by Sri Lankans this year, Pushpi Weerakoon has been awarded the ‘Rotary Alumni Global Service Award’.

This is the very first time a Sri Lankan has received this prestigious award and have been invited to address the Rotary International Convention, to be held this year from 21-25 June in Calgary Canada.

This award is the highest honour presented by Rotary International to an outstanding Rotary alumnus whose achievements have enriched their profession and whose services to humanity exemplifies the spirit of Rotary.

The award is intended to highlight the positive impact of Rotary programs and to inspire others worldwide to pursue service and leadership as the recipient.

Upon receiving the award, Pushpi will address the convention gathering together with other distinguish speakers such as Tawakkol Karman the first woman from the Arab world to win the Nobel Peace Prize, Isabel C. Scarinci a behavioral scientist with a deep commitment to the elimination of cancer disparities in low- and middle-income countries, Scott Simon host of National Public Radio who has reported from five continents on 10 wars, winning every major award in U.S. broadcasting.

Piyumal Sithum Pattuwearachchi of Sri Lanka was named First Runner-Up at the 23rd edition of Manhunt International, held June 10 in Bangkok.

Pattuwearachchi also won the Swimwear Digital Winner title during the competition, which is one of the longest-running international male modeling contests.

Adonis Renaud of France won the title of Manhunt International 2025. Rhyeme Wright of Jamaica placed Second Runner-Up. Jordan San Juan of the Philippines and Vu Linh Nguyen of Vietnam completed the top five.

Manhunt International was founded in 1993 by Metromedia Singapore and Procon Leisure International. 

South Asian pop sensation, Yohani yesterday announced that her debut album “Kella” consisting 14 tracks composed entirely by herself has been accepted for consideration in the Best Global Music Album Category at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.

“This one is for Sri Lanka, for our stories, our sounds, and for everyone who believed in the dream of taking Sri Lankan music from home to the world,” Yohani de Silva shared via a post on her Instagram yesterday. 

The singer added that she was beyond grateful to share that her debut album, Kella, has been officially submitted for consideration in the Best Global Music Album category at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.

 “This moment feels like a celebration not just for me, but for every artist and dreamer from my island who dares to believe in something bigger than ourselves. Kella was created with love, rooted in our traditions, and infused with the modern sounds of the world. Every beat, every lyric is a reflection of my home and heart,” she elaborated. 

She also went on to thank all of her incredible collaborators:

Label: Outright Play; Creative Producer: Dilanjan Seneviratne; Publicist: Dilshan Senaratne; Music Producers: Pasan Liyanage, Shenal Maddumage, Hibshi, Lahiru Perera, Wayanaka;

Lyricists: Dilanjan Seneviratne, Asiri Perera, Yohani; Creative Team: WYLD Global. The singer also extended a special thanks to Aditya Veera for guidance.

“To everyone who has listened, supported, and believed in me, this moment is for you. Let’s continue this journey together, taking Sri Lankan music to places it’s never been before. Kella is not just an album – it’s a piece of my heart. Thank you for letting it beat around the world,” she noted. – (Daily FT)